Global Safety and Security

Global Safety and Security was created by Emory Global Engagement to support the safety and security of Emory international travelers and global activities. ​

Global Safety and Security focus areas

• Pre-Travel Planning & Preparation
  •  International Travel Readiness & Information Portal (ITRIP)
  • Departmental Consultation and Pre-Departure Briefings
• Global Event Monitoring & Risk Assessment
  • Itinerary-based Safety & Security Alerts
  • Active Monitoring for Elevated-Risk Destinations
  • Traveler Awareness & Wellness Checks
• Global Crisis Management & Response
  • Emory Global Assistance Program
• University standard-setting for safe international travel and global programs

Contacts

Emergency Response

In case of emergency while traveling, seek local assistance as applicable and contact Emory's Global Assistance Program as soon as possible at 1-800-523-6586 or at +1-215-942-8226. See international contact numbers here.

Other points of contact for emergencies while abroad are:

• Emory Police Department: 404-727-6111 (24/hr emergency)
  • TDD/TTY: 404-320-1024
• Global Safety and Security Director: Shaun Jamieson, 404-727-2053
• Emory Office of Insurance Services: Kevin Wysner, 404-778-7937
• Emory Office of Critical Event Preparedness and Response: Sam Shartar, 404-712-1300

Non-emergency points of contact while abroad:

• Global Safety and Security Sr. Program Coordinator Alma Reynal Quintanilla, 404-727-7542
• Emory Travel (travel@emory.edu | 404-727-1951) and Emory's Travel Agencies
• Emory Police Department non-emergency contact: police@emory.edu (monitored during business hours)

Pre-departure briefings

Emory faculty and staff planning international travel are encouraged to contact Global Safety and Security for a 30-minute briefing on travel safety and security as well as an overview of the resources available to Emory travelers. 

Contact Global Safety & Security to schedule a briefing. 

Global Assistance Program

Emory contracts with International SOS to provide security and medical evacuation services, and a variety of online health, safety, and security resources for the university community traveling abroad on university business or sponsored activities. 

Learn more about International SOS services available to Emory faculty, staff, and students.

• Contact International SOS
  • Toll-free from the US: 1-800-523-6586
  • Direct: +1 215-942-8226

Medical emergencies

Through Emory's Global Assistance Program and its partnership with International SOS, faculty, staff, and students on Emory-sponsored international travel (Emory business, study abroad, research, etc.)  have emergency evacuation and medical insurance while traveling overseas.

In case of emergency while traveling, seek local assistance as applicable and contact International SOS as soon as possible at 1-800-523-6586 or at +1-215-942-8226. They can help you find a medical facility and assist with other medical and security concerns. 

Evacuation services

Depending on the nature and severity of the emergency, International SOS will provide assistance for an emergency evacuation from an international destination.

Local law enforcement and detainment

Please note that regardless of your citizenship, you are subject to local laws while traveling abroad, and your rights as a U.S. citizen may not extend to you outside the United States.

If you are detained by law enforcement, customs or immigration officials, contact the nearest U.S. embassy or consulate, as well as Emory’s emergency contacts (see Emergency Response above). If you are detained by political activists or terrorists, comply with their requests. International SOS and diplomatic resources will work to secure your return.

Health needs

Review immunization needs well in advance, allowing enough time for certain vaccines to take effect. The Emory’s TravelWell Clinic is a great resource for Emory faculty and staff. 

Travelers should maintain their primary health insurance policy while traveling, in addition to being familiar with its global benefits and coverage for care outside the US. Learn more about the Emory Employee Aetna plan here. 

Faculty, staff and students traveling internationally on Emory business or sponsored programs can be reimbursed up to a maximum of $2,000 for incurred COVID-19 quarantine costs. Documentation will be required, therefore keep all receipts. Please contact Kevin Wysner in the Office of Insurance Services to receive the claim form to request reimbursement.

• Finding a doctor abroad
• International Association for Medical Assistance for Travelers
• Emory’s Office of Respect

Liability Waiver

A liability waiver must be signed by any student embarking on Emory-sponsored travel abroad. If your program does not already have a program-specific waiver that has been reviewed and approved by Emory’s Office of the General Counsel (OGC), the form found at the link above can be used. Any changes made to this form, beyond filling in trip-specific information in the blanks provided, must be submitted to Global Safety & Security, who will obtain OGC review. This form is updated periodically, so please check back whenever planning a new trip. Completed waivers should be provided to an appropriate administrative official at the student’s school.